〜過ぎることはない

cannot be too ~

N2expressions

〜過ぎることはない is a set expression meaning cannot be too ~. This is a fixed pattern or phrase commonly used in Japanese conversation and writing. Understanding set expressions helps you sound more natural and idiomatic.

This is an advanced pattern found primarily in formal writing, news articles, business Japanese, and academic texts.

Structure

Verb(ます-stem) / Adj(stem) + すぎることはない

When to Use#

  • When emphasizing that something can never be excessive
  • When stressing that doing more of something is always worthwhile

When NOT to Use#

  • In very casual speech — a simpler expression is usually more natural

Example Sentences#

  • 少数民族の文化を保存することの重要性は、いくら強調してもし過ぎることはありません。 — The importance of preserving ethnic minority cultures cannot be overemphasized.

Practice#

Try reading these sentences aloud, then check the translation and vocabulary:

N1worldview

The importance of preserving ethnic minority cultures cannot be overemphasized.

Neutral

少数民族(しょうすうみんぞく)文化(ぶんか)保存(ほぞん)することの重要性(じゅうようせい)は、いくら強調(きょうちょう)してもし()ぎることはありません。

Casual

少数民族(しょうすうみんぞく)文化(ぶんか)保存(ほぞん)することの重要性(じゅうようせい)は、いくら強調(きょうちょう)してもし()ぎることはない。

Vocabulary
少数民族ethnic minority保存preservation重要性importance強調emphasis
Grammar
〜過ぎることはないcannot be too, cannot overdo
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Common Mistakes#

  1. Using 〜過ぎることはない in casual conversation — This pattern sounds overly formal or literary in casual speech. Reserve it for formal writing, presentations, or situations that call for elevated language.
  2. Direct translation from English — The concept expressed by 〜過ぎることはない may not map one-to-one with its English translation. Focus on understanding the Japanese usage through example sentences rather than relying on the English gloss.

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